Mestský park na Sihoti
Nitra Region
Mestský park na Sihoti, located in the northwestern part of Nitra's Old Town, is a sprawling 20-hectare urban park composed of three distinct sections: the Old Park Sihoť, the Connecting Park, and the New Park. The oldest part, Old Park Sihoť, dates back to the mid-19th century and features lime tree alleys, diverse native and exotic trees, playgrounds, a rope obstacle course, and a farmyard with domestic animals. The Connecting Park hosts a summer swimming pool, while the New Park includes two lakes, Veľká Hangócka and Malá Hangócka, connected by a small stream and a wooden arched bridge, popular among anglers. A central feature is the restored Frog Fountain with the statue of the water sprite Žblnko by sculptor Július Bártfay. The main promenade leads to the historic former summer café built in 1831 by Bishop Jozef Wurum, now revived as the Old Bishop's Inn. Recent revitalization (2022-2024) enhanced walking paths, lighting, seating, playgrounds, and introduced a new animal enclosure with a viewing pier, picnic meadow, grilling areas, and a stage for concerts. The park serves as a vibrant recreational and cultural hub, blending natural beauty, history, and community activities.
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Tip: The best time to visit Mestský park na Sihoti is during late spring to early autumn when all outdoor amenities and the animal enclosure are accessible. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own firewood or charcoal for free-use grills, as only solid fuels are permitted. Food for animals must be handed to park staff to ensure their health; feeding by visitors is prohibited. No advance reservation is needed for grilling areas. The park offers various refreshment outlets, picnic spots, and a stage for occasional concerts, enhancing the visitor experience.
Interesting facts
- •The park covers an extensive area of 20 hectares and is divided into three parts reflecting different historical periods.
- •The Frog Fountain, a central landmark, was created by notable local sculptor Július Bártfay in 1935, with the water sprite Žblnko added decades later.
- •The animal enclosure includes a viewing pier allowing visitors close observation of the park's fauna while providing animals with private resting areas.
- •The park's main promenade leads to the Old Bishop's Inn, originally built in 1831 as a summer café by Bishop Jozef Wurum, now restored and operational.
- •Free-use grills are available in the park, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor cooking with their own solid fuel supplies.
- •The park underwent a major revitalization from 2022 to 2024, enhancing infrastructure, greenery, and recreational facilities, officially reopened on June 1, 2024.
History
The park's oldest section, Old Park Sihoť, was established in the mid-19th century on what was formerly a floodplain island bordered by the Nitra River and a mill race.
Originally a floodplain forest, it was transformed with lime tree alleys and diverse tree species to create an urban green space.
Over the decades, the park expanded to include the Connecting Park and the New Park with lakes.
In 1831, a classicist summer café was built by Bishop Jozef Wurum, marking the site's cultural significance.
Between 2022 and 2024, the park underwent extensive revitalization to modernize facilities and enhance the natural environment, culminating in a grand reopening in June 2024.
Place Guide
Old Park Sihoťmid-19th century
The oldest part of the park, established in the mid-19th century, featuring lime tree alleys, playgrounds, a rope obstacle course, and a farmyard with domestic animals, offering a blend of natural and recreational spaces.
Frog Fountain (Žabia fontána)1935
A historic fountain created in 1935 by academic sculptor Július Bártfay, restored to its original appearance in 2024, featuring a statue of a frog and formerly accompanied by the water sprite Žblnko, now relocated to a nearby children's playground.
Animal Enclosure and Viewing Pier2024
A newly established enclosure between the Sihoť lake and hydroelectric plant, designed to house domestic animals with areas for privacy and public observation via a wooden pier, enhancing visitor interaction with wildlife.
Old Bishop's Inn (Starý biskupský hostinec)1831
Originally a classicist summer café built in 1831 by Bishop Jozef Wurum, this historic building was restored and reopened as a public inn, maintaining its cultural and architectural heritage.
Connecting Park and Summer Swimming Pool
The middle section of the park includes the Connecting Park, which houses a summer swimming pool providing recreational water activities for visitors during warmer months.
Contact
Phone: 037/741 09 06